America's little girl laid to rest in heartfelt scenes

A FIVE-YEAR-OLD girl who was abducted and murdered in California has been remembered as "America's little girl" at an emotional funeral attended by thousands of mourners.

More than 4,000 people filled the cavernous Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove yesterday to remember Samantha Runnion, who would have celebrated her sixth birthday tomorrow.

About 1,000 mourners could not fit into the building, and listened to the service from outside on speakers.